About Me


Hello Friends, 

My name is Emily and I'm a a life-long learner of language, history, and culture. I hope to share some of that with you. 

BIO

Emily Washines, Yakama Nation

Emily Washines, MPA and scholar is an enrolled Yakama Nation tribal member with Cree and Skokomish lineage. Her blog, Native Friends, focuses on history and culture. Building understanding and support for Native Americans is evident in her films, writing, speaking, and exhibits. Her research topics include the Yakama War, Native women, traditional knowledge, resource management, fishing rights, and food sovereignty. Emily speaks Ichiskiin (Yakama language) and other Native languages. Yakima Herald-Republic lists her as Top 39 under 39. She received a Single Impact Event Award for her 2018 presentation from the Association of King County Historical Organizations. She is a board member of the Museum of Culture and Environment, Artist Trust, and Columbia Riverkeeper. She is adjunct faculty at Yakima Valley College.

Emily researches and speaks on the historical aspects of missing and murdered Native women on the Yakama reservation, with particular emphasis on women and girls who were raped and murdered in the years leading up to the Yakama War of 1855-58. She searches for descendants of the Yakama War to stand by her side. Emily lives on the Yakama reservation with her husband and three children.

 

EDUCATION

  • Master of Public Administration I The Evergreen State College
  • Bachelor of Science in Public Policy & Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Minor:

    Economics I Central Washington University

TITLES

I am the former Miss Yakama Nation, Miss National Congress of American Indians, and 1st Runner-Up for Miss Indian World. 

 

 

About Native Friends

A Native lifestyle empowerment brand with a focus on language, history, and culture. Native Friends gives information to inspire conversations with families, tribes, and communities. 

What if you're not a tribal member?

That is okay. You are welcome here too. I have often been the only Native in a room or the only one people knew and I will help your understanding of Native values and history. Also, others can support Native goals. 

What is the purpose?

We can each be helpful to the world around us. I'm here to give insight into Native American life. Sometimes, I talk about federal policy. Native Americans face misconceptions about who we are. This means that while we navigate our own cultural identity, we explain and represent who Natives are...all 500+ tribes. That's a lot of weight and information to expect someone to carry. I set out to build a reference I wished I had growing up. 

Believing in someone is important.  

A good part of why I am here is because others believed in me or one of my random ideas. Remember, I believe in your awesomeness too. If you have a request or question please send it my way.  

Topics  

The range is sometimes serious, sometimes silly. Please know that I approach this carefully, with a lot of caffeine and thought.

Why this may not be a good fit for some:

  • We respect the oldest data set in North America (oral history, elders, traditional knowledge, etc.)
  • We respect food sovereignty and the people that uphold those rights (Treaty Rights, Fish Wars, First Foods, etc)

Whew, that's a little intense, but it's good to be clear. 

Next step: Are you in? 

If you are interested in culture and history updates subscribe to the email and follow me on social media. 

 

 

For additional Reference:

MY PUBLICATIONS: